warriors_031_mac.jpg Coach Don Nelson is welcomed to the Warriors by Chris Mullin. The Golden State Warriors have named Don Nelson as the team's new head coach, it was announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operation's Chris Mullin. Event in, Oakland, Ca, on 8/30/06. Photo by: Michael Macor/San Francisco Chronicle Mandatory credit for Photographer and San Francisco Chronicle / Magazines Out

There's a certain glow surrounding Chris Mullin these days, and it isn't hard to figure out why. The Warriors' top basketball executive is coming off consecutive 34-48 seasons, but the very presence of new coach Don Nelson has him radiating confidence.

"There's answers as opposed to questions," Mullin said last week as the Warriors prepared to open training camp. "The identity of our team, the way we're going to play, the way guys are going to be used. It's right there.

"You don't have to go looking. You know what we're going to do."

The Warriors will run. They will go small. They will hit their free throws or face the consequences. So say Mullin and Nelson as they begin their reunion tour with Golden State, with all parties acutely aware that the Warriors haven't been to the playoffs since their last full season together in 1994.

The latest attempt begins Monday, when players assemble at the Warriors' practice facility in downtown Oakland for Media Day. Tuesday marks the start of two-a-day practices and Nelson's first up-close look at the roster he's being asked to turn into winners.

The contents are virtually the same as a year ago -- minus Derek Fisher -- but Mullin sees a better fit with Nelson's up-tempo style. Baron Davis, Jason Richardson and Monta Ellis have the makings of a dynamic backcourt. Mike Dunleavy is a natural point forward, and Troy Murphy and Ike Diogu can serve as perimeter threats from the center spot.

Add in better free-throw shooting and shot selection, and Mullin insists the Warriors will be a better team.

"There's going to be different styles, different things asked of the players," he said. "But I do believe with the guys we have ... improvement in a few areas go a long ways. (Nelson is) going to insist that happens."

How can he be sure? Simply put, Mullin shares a trust and common vision with Nelson that never existed with former coach Mike Montgomery. He knows Nelson has come across every in-game scenario already, that he isn't afraid to call out his players and that he won't stand for noncompliance.

Asked to list the players who are most likely to thrive under Nelson and those who may have trouble adjusting, Mullin said he had a hard time envisioning the latter: "If you're in shape and you got the skills, you thrive. It's pretty simple."

And yet, simplicity does not imply ease. Dunleavy, like so many Warriors, is coming off an underwhelming season. Murphy has been reluctant to play center in previous years. And Davis must be fit enough to stay healthy and lead Nelson's run, run, run attack.

Mullin said his players are "excited" to begin the preseason, but not all will be available for the start of training camp. Richardson is still recovering from an Aug. 22 surgical procedure on his left knee and rookie Patrick O'Bryant has missed the last month with a fractured right foot.

Both will sit out at least the initial stages of camp, though the Warriors expect Richardson to practice and play at some point during the preseason. O'Bryant will be re-examined after a boot is removed from his foot next week, when a clearer timetable for his return should be set.

Meanwhile, oft-injured forward Chris Taft has endured another setback unrelated to last year's back surgery. Taft has an inflammatory condition that is causing weakness and stiffness in his muscles and remains out indefinitely.

As for new faces, the Warriors welcome four guards in former Jazz trio Keith McLeod, Devin Brown and Andre Owens, and the newly signed Dajuan Wagner. That leaves them with 16 players under contract for the season, not including any additional training camp invitees. The maximum a team can carry is 15.

Golden State also has two new assistants in Larry Riley and Stephen Silas, who join incumbents Keith Smart and Russell Turner. Mario Elie, who was a finalist for the Kings' head coaching vacancy, will assist Mullin in the front office while finishing out the final year of his contract.

Hal Wissel, an assistant coach in charge of player development, will be spearheading efforts to improve the Warriors' free-throw shooting.

"A guy like Nellie, again, brings a certain stamp," Mullin said. "We all felt like there was always a certain learning curve (in the past), but there's none here."

Briefly: The Warriors are engaged in serious talks to acquire Bobcats forward Melvin Ely, according to a source. The deal would likely involve three players going to Charlotte. Ely averaged 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds last season.